OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO vs Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4 opens to f/2.8 versus the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO gives that up to stay lighter (254g (9.0 oz)) and cheaper ($699). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO if…
- ✓You value portability — at 254g (9.0 oz) it's lighter than the 320g (11.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 60mm vs 45mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4 opens to f/2.8 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO is 12-45mm, Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4 is 12-60mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO is $699, $100 under the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4 has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO or the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4 better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4 opens to f/2.8 versus the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO gives that up to stay lighter (254g (9.0 oz)) and cheaper ($699). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO if you value portability — at 254g (9.0 oz) it's lighter than the 320g (11.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4?
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4 if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 60mm vs 45mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO and the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4?
Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4 opens to f/2.8 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 12-45mm | 12-60mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 84° – 27° | 84° – 20° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-90mm | 24-120mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 23 cm | 20 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.25x | 0.3x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $699 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 55mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 63.4mm | 68mm |
| Length | 70mm | 71mm |
| Weight | 254g (9.0 oz) | 320g (11.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
